#ashokasays Did you know 244:
Undeservedly little known wonder of Himalayas is an amazing temple complex - Masroor Temples in Himachal Pradesh, Kangra District. Surprisingly little is known about these unique structures, hewn more than 1,000 years ago in live rock.
Sometimes in the 8th or 9th century - but most likely in the second half of the 8th century - one of the characteristic sandstone ridges in Kangri valley was reshaped in a miraculous way. Intricately carved from one single piece of sandstone, almost nothing is known about the Masrur Temples. Besides conjecture and legend, there are no hard facts connecting the complex to a people or even a time period.
Unknown sculptors cleaved away the sandstone revealing 15 (earlier sources mention 19) steep-sided pyramids - sikharas, covered with intricate stone carvings.
Thanks to the favourable local topography - steep rock ridge - Masroor Temples rise above the surrounding landscape like ordinary structures. From the temple complex opens a fine view on Dhauladhar ranges and the Beas valley.
In the front of this group of pyramids was hewn almost 50 m long, rectangular water tank - gan. This is important part of this architectonic complex, almost always filled with water and mirroring the amazing temple complex.
Such free standing structures cut from live stone are rare in India (and in the whole world) and are unique in Himalaya.
All 15 temples are (or were) covered with intricate stone carvings of high quality but the most elaborate carvings adorn Thakurdwara.
The entrance in this central temple is facing east. Entrance part has four massive columns. Further entrance in the main shrine - garb-griha - leads through especially ornate stone door. Inside the shrine are black stone images of Lord Rama, Sita and Laxmana. In the centre though stands a figure of Shiva.
Art historicians consider that initially this temple was dedicated to Mahadeva (Shiva) and after an ancient earthquake was reshaped into a shrine of Rama.
You can read more about this place here http://www.wondermondo.com/
INCREDIBLE BHARATHA
Undeservedly little known wonder of Himalayas is an amazing temple complex - Masroor Temples in Himachal Pradesh, Kangra District. Surprisingly little is known about these unique structures, hewn more than 1,000 years ago in live rock.
Sometimes in the 8th or 9th century - but most likely in the second half of the 8th century - one of the characteristic sandstone ridges in Kangri valley was reshaped in a miraculous way. Intricately carved from one single piece of sandstone, almost nothing is known about the Masrur Temples. Besides conjecture and legend, there are no hard facts connecting the complex to a people or even a time period.
Unknown sculptors cleaved away the sandstone revealing 15 (earlier sources mention 19) steep-sided pyramids - sikharas, covered with intricate stone carvings.
Thanks to the favourable local topography - steep rock ridge - Masroor Temples rise above the surrounding landscape like ordinary structures. From the temple complex opens a fine view on Dhauladhar ranges and the Beas valley.
In the front of this group of pyramids was hewn almost 50 m long, rectangular water tank - gan. This is important part of this architectonic complex, almost always filled with water and mirroring the amazing temple complex.
Such free standing structures cut from live stone are rare in India (and in the whole world) and are unique in Himalaya.
All 15 temples are (or were) covered with intricate stone carvings of high quality but the most elaborate carvings adorn Thakurdwara.
The entrance in this central temple is facing east. Entrance part has four massive columns. Further entrance in the main shrine - garb-griha - leads through especially ornate stone door. Inside the shrine are black stone images of Lord Rama, Sita and Laxmana. In the centre though stands a figure of Shiva.
Art historicians consider that initially this temple was dedicated to Mahadeva (Shiva) and after an ancient earthquake was reshaped into a shrine of Rama.
You can read more about this place here http://www.wondermondo.com/
INCREDIBLE BHARATHA
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